Handle hold down latch for compression tacker



Aug. 2, 1986 D O. A, WANDEL 3,263,888

HANDLE HOLD DOWN LATCH FOR COMPRESSION TACKER Filed Oct. l, 1964 /A/VEA/m/Z l 04cm@ A. VVAA/DEL L/ United States Patent O 3,263,888 HANDLE HOLD DOWN LATCH FOR l COMPRESSIN TACKER Oscar A. Wandel, Mundelein, Ill., assignor to Fastener Corporation, Franklin Park, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Oct. 1, 1964, Ser. No. 400,791 6 Claims. (Cl. 227-132) The present invention relates :to fastener driving tools and more particularly to hand operated tools commonly known as tackers or Staplers for driving staples and the like.

Hand operated tackers and Staplers 'are generally provided with Iactuating handles which are normally biased by resilient means to an actuating position upwardly away from the frame of the stapler wherein .an operator may depress the handle toward the frame in order toactuate the stapler to drive a staple. In order to reduce the overall size of the stapler for storing, boxing and shipping and to prevent inadvertent actuation thereof, the present invention provides new land improved means for locking or latching the handle in a depressed or downward inoperative position wherein the handle lies closely adjacent to the frame of the stapler and cannot be actuated.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved stapling device of the hand operated or actuated type.

It is another object of fthe present invention to provide a new and improved latching or locking means for a stapling device of the type described.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved hand operated stapling device of the type described including new and improved means for latching or locking the handle thereof in a depressed or inoperative position against the urging of resilient means which tends to normally move the handle outwardly away from the frame to an operative or actuating position in preparation for actuation by the operator when it is desired to drive a staple.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved latching means for latching the handle of a stapling device of the type described in an inoperative or depressed po-si-tion wherein the latching means is selectively reciprocally movable between a latched position engaged .between the handle and frame rendering the handle inoperative and an unlatched position out of the moving path of the handle to permit free movement thereof during actuation.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved latching means of the type described above which includes Ia U-shaped member having -a central bight portion for engaging the handle of the stapler to latch the handle in an inoperative or depressed position and la pair of dependent legs engaging a pivot pin which pivotally carries the handle of the stapler.

Still another object of the present invention vis`the provision of a new and improved latching means of the type described which includes means for positively retaining the latch in its unlatched. position free from engagement with the handle of the tacker.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a new Iand improved latching means of the type described which is simple in construction, low in cost and easy to manipulate into the desired lselected position.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention may be carried out in one `form by the provision of a new :and improved hand operated tacker or stapler including a frame and an actuating Patented August 2, 1966 iceA handle' mounted for pivotal angular movement about a pivot pin carried by the frame. Resilient means 'are provided normally urging the handle in a given angular direction away from an inoperative or depressed position juxtaposed the frame to an outward or Iactuating position ready for depression by an operator of the tacker to drive a staple. New and improved latching means are provided for selectively engaging the handle when in Ia latched position and for maintaining the handle in a depressed or inoperative position 'against the urging of the resilient means which normally tends to move the handle outwardly to an outward or opreative position wherein it can be depressed lby an operator to drive a staple, the latching means being selectively, reciprocally movable as desired between the latched position and an unlatched position wherein the handle is freely movable by the resilient means to the outward operative position or by the operator on depression thereof to drive a staple.

For a `better understanding of the invention reference will be had to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional elevational view of a hand operated stapler or tacker constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating the handle in its operating or actuating position away from the frame and ready for actuation or depression by an opera-tor to drive a staple.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken substantially along line 2 2 of FIG. l illustrating in detail the new and improved latching means of the present invention as it is positioned in its unlatched position.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional elevational view similar to FIG. l illustrating the latching means in a position latching the handle in a depressed or inoperative position.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 4 4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is .an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken substantially along line 5 5 of FIG. 4.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, there is illustrated a fastener driving tool or hand operatedv stapler or tacker referred to generally by the reference numeral 10. The stapler 10 includes a main structure or frame 12, a magazine assembly 14 for holding a supply of staples 16 and lfeeding -them into a drive track 18 disposed at the forward end of the stapler from which and forward ends, respectively, to a ixed depending rear' handle portion 30 and .a main forward portion 32 of theframe 12.

The `forward portion 32 and the 4rear portion 30 of the 'frame 112 are joined by an integrally formed xed hand grip portion 34 having a grip 36 on the underside thereof. A resilient cushion 38 is mounted on the upper sidei of the grip portion 34. The for-ward portion of the frame 12'is provided, as shown, with a housing 40 having a forward wall 42 defining a forward wall of the drive track 1|8 and a pair of side walls 44 formed to provide opposed grooves 46 which provide a guide way -48 for accommodating the sliding movements of a plunger 50 which carries the driving blade 20. The housing 40 also includes a top wall or cap 52 having a downwardly depending lip 54 at the rearward end thereof which defines the upper edge of a rearwardly facing opening 56 in the housing. The side walls 44 are provided with rearwardly facing notches 44a positioned just below the lower edge of the depending lip 54 of the top wall or cap 52.

A compression type actuating spring 60 is disposed between the top wall 52 of the housing and the plunger 50 so as normally to urge the plunger downward on a staple driving stroke. A resilient cushion 62 is provided at the lower end of the forward portion 32 of the housing `for engagement by the lower end of the plunger as it moves rapidly downward at the end of a driving stroke, resiliently to cushion the shock of the driving stroke.

In order to initiate a staple driving stroke of the plunger 50 and .the attached driving blade 20, the stapler is provided with an actuating handle 64 which is mounted for angular movement with respect to the frame 12 about a pivot pin I66 which is journaled in the side walls 44 of the frame. The handle 64 is of substantially inverted U-shaped cross-section as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and includes parallel side portions 68 adjacent the forward portion thereof through which the pivot pin 66 extends. The handle 64 is disposed relative to the frame 12 to extend through the opening 56 in the housing 40 and rearwardly therefrom and the top portion of the rearward end of the handle is provided with an identation 70 for aiding an operator in gripping and depressing the handle. The side portions 68 of the handle 64 are provided with 'forwardly extending legs 72 (see FfIG. 1) on which is pivotally mounted a trigger mechanism 74 journaled about a pin 7=6 extending between .the legs 72. The trigger 74 is provided with a forward wall 78, the upward end of which is adapted -to engage a lifting slot 50a defined in the rear surface of the plunger 50 so that the plunger will be lifted upwardly against the compression of the spring 60 when the handle is depressed downwardly from its upper or actuating position of FIG. 1 toward the depressed position of FIG. 3. The upper portion of the forward wall 78 of the trigger 74 is biased forwardly to insure engagement within the slot 50a of the plunger by means of a coil spring 80 journaled about the pin 76 and provided with a pair of legs, one of which is secured to a lug 72a extending from one of the legs 72 of the handle 64. The other end of the spring 80 bears against the forward wall 78 of the trigger mechanism. A bottom stop plate 82 is provided on the trigger 74 to engage the lower edges of the forward legs 72 of the handle 64 to limit the forward movement of the upper portion of the forward face 78 relative to the handle 64 so that as the trigger moves upwardly in engagement with the slot 50a of the plunger 50 on a downward actuating stroke of the handle, it will slip out of engagement with upper edge of the slot 50a near the end of its upper movement to free the plunger for rapid downward movement under the influence of the compression spring 60 to drive a staple 16 positioned in the drive track 118 by the magazine assembly 14.

As the handle 64 reaches the end of an actuating stroke, it will engage the resilient cushion 38 and when the handle is released by the operator it will normally move back to the actuating position of FIG. 1 under the inuence of resilient means such as a biasing spring 84 which normally urges the handle to pivot upwardly about the pivot pin 66 in a counter-clockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 1. The spring 8'4 is provided with a central coiled portion disposed around the handle pivot pin 66, an integral upper leg 86 extending therefrom bearing against the underside of the handle 64 and a lower short leg 88, the outer end of which bears against a fixed pin 90 secured between the side walls 44 of the frame. Thus, the spring 84 continually exerts a biasing force on the handle 64 tending to bias the rearward end thereof upwardly away from the frame 12 in a counterclockwise direction.

In order to provide means for latching or locking the handle 64 in its downward depressed or inoperative posit-ion as shown in FIG. 3 so that the stapler 10 may be stored or boxed in a manner requiring a minimum of space, and to prevent inadvertent actuation of the stapler, there is provided in accordance with the present invention a new and improved latching or locking mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 94. The locking mechanism 94 is reciprocably movable between a latched or locking position as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 and an unlatehed or open posit-ion as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, the latching mechanism is formed of strong resilient wire such as piano wire or the like ,which is bent -to a generally U-shaped configuration as clearly shown in FIG. 2. The latch includes an upper central or bight portion 9.6 integrally jointed to downward depending legs 98 which extend inwardly (see FIG. 2) below the bight portion 96 and downwardly to engage .the pivot pin 66. The legs 98 are provided with hooked ends and upwardly extending portions 100 which extend upwardly generally parallel to the downwardly depending main portion of the legs 98 on the opposite side of the pin 66 so as to contact the pivot pin 66 on the opposite side thereof from the downwardly extending main portions of the legs 98. The downwardly depending portions 98 are provided with `detents 102 curved to partially encircle the forward surface of the pin 66 for normally maintaining the locking member 94 in the upward or unlatehed position of FIGS. 1 and 2. When in this position, the central bight portion 96 rests above the top wall or cap 52 of the forward housing of the frame and is free from engagement with any part of the handle 64, thereby allowing a free pivotal movement of the handle. The bight portion 96 is provided with a downwardly and forwardly extending indentation 104 at the central portion thereof which, when the latching assembly is unlatehed as shown in FIG. 1, bears against the top plate 52 and in combination with the detents 102 in the legs 98 maintains the latch in an unlatehed position.

When it is desired to latch the handle 64 in its depressed or inoperative position as shown in FIG. 3, the latching member 94 is manually moved downwardly to the position there shown wherein the bight portion 96 is disposed in the path of movement of a forward edge 64a of thel handle. When the latching means 94 is in this position, the bight portion 96 engages a forward edge 64a of the handle as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 and prevents the handle from pivoting to its upper position under the urging of the biasing spring 84. When the handle 64 is depressed and then released after movement of the latching member 94 to its latching position, the forward edge 64a of the handle engages the bright portion 96 forcing it forwardly against the rearward facing edges of the notches 44a in the side walls 44 of the housing preventing further upward movement of the handle 64. When in the latched position as shown in FIG. 3, the upper ends of the upwardly extending hook portions 100 of the latching member 94 maintain the lower portion of the latching member in contacting engagement with pin 66 and prevent any rotation of the lower portion of the latch. The bight portion 96 is therefore held in the latched position against the rearwardly facing edges of the notches 44a in the side members 44 by the forward pressure of the edges 64a of the handle, and thelower edge of the lip 54 of the top wall or cap 52 plus the upper and lower edges of the notches 44a prevent any upward movement of the latching member 94 out of the latched position.

When it is desired to operate the stapler 10 after the handle 64 has been latched in the depressed or inoperative position as shown in FIG. 3, the rear end of the handle is depressed against the cushion 38 to relieve the forward pressure exerted by the edge 64a of the handle against the bight portion 96 of the latch member 94. "The latching member may then be moved upwardly out of the path of movement of the forward edge 64a of the handle to the unlatehed position shown in FIG. l in which position the latching member is maintained by the action of the detents 102 which engage the pin 66 and the indentation 104 of the bight portion 96 which engages on the top wall 52 as previously described. The handle 64 is then free to pivotally move about the pivot pin 66 and the rearward end of the handle when released by the operator will move upwardly under the influence of the biasing spring 84 to the position of FIG. l from whence it can be actuated or depressed to initiate the driving stroke of the stapler.

The latching member 94 provides a simple and eiicient means for maintaining the handle 64 of the stapler in its downward depressed or inoperative position when the stapler is not in use. The latching member is reciproeably movable between its unlatched and latched positions and is positively secured in both of these selected positions so that it may not inadvertently move from one to the other.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to :a single illustrative embodiment thereof, it

should be understood that numerous other modificationsv and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by letters Patent of the |United States is:

1. A fastener driving tool comprising a frame member and a handle element pivotally mounted for angular movement about a pivot pin carried by said frame member, resilient means normally urging said handle element in a given direction of angular rotation about said pivot pin relative to said frame member and a U-shaped latch member mounted on said pin including a bight portion reciprocally movable toward and :away from said pin between a latched position wherein said bight portion projects into the path of movement of said handle element for engagement therewith to selectively tix the position thereof against the action of said resilient means and an unlatched position out of the path of movement of said handle element, said latch member including means on said bight portion engageable with said frame member for positively holding said latch member in said unlatched position.

2. A fastener driving tool comprising a frame and an actuating handle pivotally mounted for angular movement about a pivot pin carried by said frame, resilient means operatively engaging said handle and frame normally urging a rearward portion of said handle pivotally upward away from said frame to an upper position in preparation for a downward actuating movement thereof by an operator of the tool and latch means selectively movable between a latched position wherein said handle is maintained in a downward position with the rearward portion thereof adjacent said frame and an unlatched position permitting said resilient means to urge the rear portion of said handle to said upper position, said latch means comprising :a U-shaped member having an upper bight portion selectively movable downwardly into engagement with a forward end of said handle when in a latched position to restrict the upward movement of the rearward portion of said handle urged by said resilient means, said U-shaped member including a pair of integrally formed depending legs engaging said pivot pin, said legs being provided with indentations adapted to engage said pin when said U-shaped member is moved to its unlatched position for maintaining said member in said unlatched position.

3. A fastener driving tool comprising a frame and an actuating handle mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot pin carried by said frame between an upper actuating position and a downward storing position, resilient means normally urging said handle in a given angular direction from said storing position toward said actuating position, said handle having a forward edge movable in a path in close proximity to said frame on pivotal movement of said handle and a U-shaped locking member mounted on said pivot pin and having a central bight portion selectively movable into and out of a latched position wherein said bight portion is engaged between said frame and the forward edge of said handle preventing pivotal movement of said handle in said given angular direction from said storing position to said actuating position, said U-shaped member including a pair of integrally formed legs depending from said bight portion and engaging said pivot pin for guiding said member during reciprocal movement into and out of said latched position, said legs including resilient detent means engageable with said pivot pin for maintaining said member i-n an unlatched position wherein said bight portion thereof is positioned out of the path of movement of the forward edge of said handle.

4. A fastener driving tool comprising a frame and an actuating handle mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot pin carried by said frame between an upper actuating position and a downward storing position, resilient means normally urging 4said handle in a given angular direction from said storing position toward said actuating position, said handle having a forward edge movable in a path in close proximity to said frame on pivotal movement of said handle and a U-shaped locking member having a cent-ral bight portion selectively movable into and out of a latched position wherein said bight portion is engaged between said frame and the forward edge yof said handle preventing pivotal movement of said handle in said given angular direction from said storing position to said actuation position, said locking member including a pair of legs engaging said pivot pin permitting pivotal and reciprocal movement `of said member with respect thereto, said frame including notch defining means therein for receiving said bight portion when said locking member is in said latched position.

5. A fastener d-riving tool comprising a frame and an actuating handle mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot pin carried by said frame between an upper actuating position and a downward storing position, resilient means normally urging said handle in a given angular direction from said storing position toward said actuating position, said handle having a forward edge movable in a pathin close proximity to said frame on pivotal movement of said handle and a U-shaped locking member mounted on said pivot pin and having a central bight portion selectively movable into and out of a latched position wherein said bight portion is engaged between rearwardly facing notches formed in respective side walls of said frame and the forward edge of said handle preventing pivotal movement `of said handle in said given angular direction from lsaid storing position to said actuating position, said U-shaped member including a pair of integrally formed legs depending from said bight portion and engaging said pivot pin 'for guiding said member during reciprocal movement into and out of said latched position, said legs including resilient detent means engageable with said pivot pin for maintaining said member in an unlatched position wherein said bight portion thereof is positioned out of the path yof movement of -the forward edge of said handle.

6. A fastener driving tool comprising a frame and an actuating handle pivotally mounted for angular movement about a pivot pin carried by said frame, resilient means operatively engaging said handle and frame normally urging a rearward portion of said handle pivotally upward away from said frame to an upper position in preparation for a downward actuating movement thereof by an operator of the tool and latch means selectively movable between a latched position wherein said handle is maintained in a downward position with the rearward portion thereof adjacent said frame and an unlatched position permitting said resilient means to urge the rear portion of said handle to said upper position, said latch means cornprising a U-shaped member having an upper bight portion selectively movable downwardly into engagement with a forward end of said handle When in a latched position to restrict the upward movement of the rearward portion of said handle urged bysaid resilent means, said U-shaped member including a pair of integrally formed depending legs engaging said pivot pin, said legs being provided with indentations adapted to engage said pin when said U- shaped member is moved to its unlatched position for maintaining said member in said unlatched position, said latch means also including upwardly extending leg means extending upwardly from said depending legs and engaging an opposite -side of said pivotA pin for maintaining said latch means in continual engagement with said pin during movement between latched and unlatched positions.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,746,044 5/ 1956 Cusumano et al 227-132 2,982,966 5/1961 La Pointe et al. 227-63 X 3,095,574 7/1963 Robbins 227-132 X 3,149,339 9/1964 Johnson 227-132 GRANVILLE Y. CUSTER, JR., Primary Examiner. 

1. A FASTENER DRIVING TOOL COMPRISING A FRAME MEMBER AND A HANDLE ELEMENT PIVOTALLY MOUNTED FOR ANGULAR MOVEMENT ABOUT A PIVOT PIN CARRIED BY SAID FRAME MEMBER, RESILIENT MEANS NORMALLY URGING SAID HANDLE ELEMENT IN A GIVEN DIRECTION OF ANGULAR ROTATION ABOUT SAID PIVOT PIN RELATIVE TO SAID FRAME MEMBER AND A U-SHAPED LATCH MEMBER MOUNTED ON SAID PIN INCLUDING A BIGHT PORTION RECIPROCALLY MOVABLE TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID PIN BETWEEN A LATCHED POSITION WHEREIN SAID BIGHT PORTION PROJECTS INTO THE PATH OF MOVEMENT OF SAID 